VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR STUDY EXAMINING THE MECHANISM
AND TREATMENT OF HALLUCINATED "VOICES"

Hallucinated "voices" are often reported by patients with schizophrenia
and bipolar disorder. Researchers at Yale are now attempting to increase
their understanding of this symptom by studying an investigational treatment
specifically targeting "voices."

The study utilizes a procedure called transcranial magnetic stimulation.
This procedure delivers magnetic waves to certain, small parts of the brain.
The strength of the magnetic waves is on the order of an MRI scan and is
administered over 10-15 minutes. Yale researchers wish to determine
if such stimulation directed at parts of the brain thought to be involved
in the production of "voices" could interrupt or reduce this symptom.
Careful monitoring of brain waves and mental functioning during the study
is carried out to ensure the safety of patients. Stimulation, which
is carried out while patients are awake, is not painful but can cause some
discomfort.

Additional patients experiencing persistent "voices" are now being sought
to participate in this research project. Patients are paid $300 for
completing the study, which takes place over a two week period. During
that time patients are admitted at no cost to the Yale Psychiatric Institute
for assessment and monitoring of symptoms. No changes in medication
are made during that time. For further information about the study,
contact Ralph Hoffman, M.D. at the Yale Psychiatric Institute. His
telephone number is 203-785-3259 and his email address is ralph.hoffman@yale.edu.